Proverbs 13:11

Authorized King James Version

Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ה֭וֹן
Wealth
wealth; by implication, enough
#2
מֵהֶ֣בֶל
gotten by vanity
emptiness or vanity; figuratively, something transitory and unsatisfactory; often used as an adverb
#3
יִמְעָ֑ט
shall be diminished
properly, to pare off, i.e., lessen; intransitively, to be (or causatively, to make) small or few (or figuratively, ineffective)
#4
וְקֹבֵ֖ץ
but he that gathereth
to grasp, i.e., collect
#5
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#6
יָ֣ד
by labour
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#7
יַרְבֶּֽה׃
shall increase
to increase (in whatever respect)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Proverbs Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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